Interexchange Billing Operation Patents (Class 379/115.01)
-
Patent number: 11943678Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for performing a controlled handover of a wireless device from an incoming access network to a cellular access network of a visited cellular network. In some embodiments, a method for handover of a wireless device from an incoming access network to a cellular access network of a visited cellular network while in roaming comprises, at the wireless device, sending a message to a core network of the visited cellular network. The message is related to a handover of the wireless device from the incoming access network to the cellular access network of the visited cellular network and comprises an incoming access indication. The incoming access indication is an indication of the incoming access network. The method further comprises, at the core network node, receiving the message and making a decision for the handover based on the incoming access indication.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventors: George Foti, Ralf Keller
-
Patent number: 11677881Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for the process-efficient generation of data records for data communications involving groups or aggregates of user equipment (UE), such as IoT devices, are described. In one illustrative example, for each one of a plurality of UEs associated with a group or aggregation identifier (ID), a request which includes data indicative of a network resource usage event of the UE is received and the data are stored in association with the group or aggregation ID. In response to identifying a predetermined condition, the data indicative of the network resource usage events associated with the group or aggregation ID are aggregated, and a request for generating a data record based on the aggregated data is sent to a data function for generating the data record. The generated data record (e.g. a CDR) may be stored for subsequent retrieval for reporting, analysis, network/communications management, or billing.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Konstantin Livanos, Swapna Anandan
-
Patent number: 11595515Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for improving caller verification is provided. The method comprises registering an intended communications session by generating a key using, at least, a first call time window identifier, and storing the key in a database; in response to registering the intended communication session, receiving a request for caller verification, wherein the request comprises data representing a second call time window identifier; in response to receiving the request for caller verification, generating a comparison key based on the request; comparing the comparison key with the key stored in the database; and verifying the intended communication session in response to comparing the comparison key with the key.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: RingCentral, inc.Inventors: Christopher van Rensburg, Tetsumasa Yoshikawa
-
Patent number: 10594862Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for context sensitive contact substitution for mobile communications. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for context sensitive contact substitution for mobile communications includes selecting a contact disposed within a list of contacts in memory of a mobile computing device for use in establishing a telephone call with the selected contact through the mobile computing device. The method also includes determining a context of the telephone call and identifying in the list of contacts an alternate contact to the selected contact based upon the determined context. In this regard, the context may be a location of the mobile computing device, or a time of day of establishing the telephone call, to name two examples. Finally, the method includes establishing the telephone call through the mobile computing device with the alternate contact instead of the selected contact.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Adam Roberts
-
Patent number: 10581759Abstract: The efficiency of the network device is improved by sharing a packet processor across two or more control paths. Data unit sources send the first portion of each data unit that passes through the sources to the shared packet processor via their respective control paths. The packet processor generates control information for each of the data units, and sends the control information to a merger component that corresponds to the source of the data unit. The merger component merges the control information with a payload portion of the data unit that the data unit source sent along a separate data path. To better facilitate the sharing of the packet processor, the control paths may converge at an adaptive distributor, which uses a policy-based mechanism to select which data unit portion to forward to the packet processor in a given time slot. The policy may change based on various demand measures.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Innovium, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Hui Kwan, William Brad Matthews, Puneet Agarwal
-
Patent number: 10535002Abstract: An approach is provided for optimally routing events in an IT system to solvers which provide resolutions of the events. Event streams originating from the IT system are defined. Events are classified into the event streams. An optimization problem is solved that minimizes costs incurred for using respective solvers based on constraints which include success rates of the solvers. Based on the solved optimization problem, policies are defined that associate the event streams to the solvers in a many-to-one correspondence. In real time, the defined policies are applied to the event streams. Based on the applied policies and the classified events, the events are routed to respective solvers. An indication is received that the events are resolved by the respective solvers, which reduces downtime in the IT system.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Manish Gupta, Sreekrishnan Venkateswaran
-
Patent number: 10372465Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with controlling batch jobs with plugins are described. In one embodiment, a method includes querying a batch definition database to retrieve a record identification plugin including a first declarative statement defining parameters of the record identification plugin and a database query statement used by the record identification plugin to select records within a database. The example method may also include querying the batch definition database to retrieve a process records plugin including a second declarative statement defining how the process records plugin is to process the selected records. The example method may also include interpreting the first declarative statement to control execution of a batch process to select the records within the database. The example method may also include interpreting the second declarative statement to control execution of the batch process to process the records to create a batch job result.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Colleen M. Balkan, Andre J. Marais, Brian P. Conlon, Robert D. O'Connell, Jr., John Glenn H. Santos, William C. Hedges
-
Patent number: 10348395Abstract: A satellite communication system includes: a communication station generator communicator, a plurality of ground stations receiver transmitter receiver, and a channel control device having a satellite communication channel assignor configured to assign one satellite communication channel in response to channel assignment requests received from the plurality of ground stations via the ground network and determined to be identical communicator.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yasuo Hosotani, Makiko Hiragi, Masanori Torii
-
Patent number: 10306399Abstract: A system receives user input based information that allows deriving an identifier of a first radio transmitter, wherein a database stores, associated with the identifier of the first radio transmitter, information that allows deriving expected characteristics of radio signals of the first radio transmitter at different locations of a site. The system moreover receives a user input based indication of a replacement of the first radio transmitter at the site. The system receives user input based information that allows deriving an identifier of a second radio transmitter replacing the first radio transmitter at the site. The system updates the database by associating the information that allows deriving expected characteristics of radio signals of the first radio transmitter at different locations of the site with the identifier of the second radio transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: HERE Global B.V.Inventors: Muhammad Irshan Khan, Lauri Aarne Johannes Wirola, Pavel Ivanov
-
Patent number: 10298775Abstract: A system for selecting communication routes based on multiple criteria is disclosed. The system can dynamically update route ranking criteria without loading new data tables. Further, the system can be implemented in the context of a route ranking system that provides a list of routes for processing or completing a call. The list of routes can be generated in a ranked order to facilitate attempts to route the call based on the predefined routing criteria. Further, the route ranking system can determine the list of routes based on one or more criteria including, for example, margins, call type, and vendor ratings, to name a few. Advantageously, modifications can be made to values associated with the routing criteria without requiring the loading of new tables associated with the routing criteria. These modifications can be associated with an expiration condition thereby enabling increased flexibility in determining the list of routes.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: InterMetro Communications, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Fogel, Charles Rice
-
Patent number: 10264139Abstract: A system and method that allows for information relating to data and communication resource usage to be gathered and analyzed such that particular data transactions and usage can be classified based on purpose and/or type. Further, the system and method provide reporting based on amount of usage and/or purpose or type of usage so that associated costs and usage can be calculated applied and allocated to particular accounts, divisions, groups or individuals within and outside of a company or entity. Further, the system may restrict data usage of devices to data usage that can be allocated to particular accounts based on purpose, source, destination or other.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Tangoe US, Inc.Inventors: Jaan Leemet, Paul Schmidt, Albert R. Subbloie, Jr., Christopher J. DeBenedictis
-
Patent number: 10013700Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium for dynamic contact information assignment. A method includes: identifying a pool of telephone numbers; assigning the telephone numbers to a pool manager; allocating by the pool manager, subsets of the telephone numbers to a plurality of allocators, each allocator responsible for allocating telephone numbers to an associated group of content sponsors; determining a first allocation of a first subset, the first allocation being distributed among the content sponsors associated with a first allocator, creating first pools each associated with a respective one of the content sponsors associated with the first allocator; reclaiming one or more telephone numbers from a pool of the first pools; and assigning ones of the reclaimed telephone numbers by the first allocator into either other pools of the first pools or back to the pool manager for allocation to other allocators.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Anurag Agrawal, Girish Baliga, Anshul Kothari, Seung Yi, Tao Huang
-
Patent number: 10003696Abstract: A distributed collaborative offline charging system and method is provided. Charging is determined by receiving a reduced charging record at a charging control function. The reduced charging record includes a charging data subset and an index for charging parameters that are not included in reduced charging record. The charging control function retrieves the charging parameters that are not included in reduced charging record utilizing the index.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Provenance Asset Group LLCInventors: Yigang Cai, Ranjan Sharma
-
Patent number: 9942416Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to telecommunications networks, processing and routing calls between networks, a computing system and methodologies for optimizing pricing particularly in situations with massive amounts of data, processing call volume data, deseasonalizing data, minutes of use data, establishing and distributing pricing data for use in routing decisions, among other features and advantages.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Level Communications, LLCInventors: William Gray, Binchao Chen, Peder Hans Engebreston
-
Patent number: 9832309Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a stale number. A stale number detection device obtains a call number, a call number contact creation date, and a call number issue date for the call number. The stale number detection device determines that a stale number state exists when the call number issue date is later than the call number contact creation date. The stale number detection device generates a stale number notification based on the stale number state.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Xun Fei, Dajun Chen, Yong Tian, Hongxia Wang
-
Patent number: 9813355Abstract: The deployment and scaling of a network of electronic devices can be improved by utilizing one or more network transpose boxes. Each transpose box can include a number of connectors and a meshing useful for implementing a specific network topology. Different tiers of a network can be connected to one or more of the network transpose boxes, and operated as a logical switch. A control server can be used to manage the control plane operations of the logical switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Alan M. Judge, Mark N. Kelly, Jagwinder Singh Brar, Michael David Marr, Daniel T. Cohn
-
Patent number: 9805090Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for processing a database query between one or more clients and one or more databases. The database query, which is formatted using a first protocol, is received from one of the clients. One of the databases is selected to process the database query and the database query is translated from the first protocol to a second protocol. The translated database query is then sent to the selected database for processing. A response to the database query, which is formatted using the second protocol, is received from the selected database and the response is translated from the second protocol to the first protocol. The present invention determines which of the clients sent the database query and sends the translated response to the client that sent the database query. This method can be implemented as a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Open Invention Network LLCInventors: Monica Rose Martino, Kevin V. Nguyen
-
Patent number: 9596360Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to telecommunications networks, processing and routing calls between networks, a computing system and methodologies for optimizing pricing particularly in situations with massive amounts of data, processing call volume data, deseasonalizing data, minutes of use data, establishing and distributing pricing data for use in routing decisions, among other features and advantages.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: William Gray, Binchao Chen, Peder Hans Engebretson
-
Patent number: 9554362Abstract: A movable wireless network includes one or more wireless communication devices. The movable wireless network further includes a detector configured to detect a network event. The movable wireless network further includes a controller configured to change an operational state of the movable wireless network by changing at least one of a mobile country code and a mobile network code of the movable wireless network to be different from that of another wireless network, responsive to detection of the network event by the detector. The changed operational state corresponds to changing from a state of coordinated operation of the movable wireless network and the other wireless network to a state of independent operation of the movable wireless network and the other wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Scott A. Mountney, Mike D. Verstegen, Kevin J. Niemi
-
Patent number: 9549070Abstract: A system and method determines members of a team in a contact center to handle a request. The method is performed by a formation device by receiving a user request from a user device, the user request associated with a type of user request. The method includes determining a plurality of member types required in handling the request based upon the type of request. The method includes determining a plurality of agents of the contact center, the agents collectively having the member types. The method includes transmitting a request to a plurality of member devices of the contact center respectively associated with each of the agents to participate in a real-time communication with the user device in handling the user request.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Avaya Inc.Inventors: Neil O'Connor, Ronan Fox, Paul D'Arcy, Liam Loftus, Tommy Moran
-
Patent number: 9544445Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to telecommunications networks, processing and routing calls between networks, a computing system and methodologies for optimizing pricing particularly in situations with massive amounts of data, processing call volume data, deseasonalizing data, minutes of use data, establishing and distributing pricing data for use in routing decisions, among other features and advantages.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: William Gray, Binchao Chen, Peder Hans Engebretson
-
Patent number: 9531762Abstract: A communication system includes a plurality of time division multiplexed (TDM) public switched telephone network (PSTN) trunks, a Signal Control Point (SCP), a Softswitch, and an Internet telephony call controller. The SCP a plurality of phone numbers for time division multiplexed TDM PSTN lines with an Internet telephony feature group that has Internet telephony feature handling. The SCP routes phone calls that are directed to phone numbers in the Internet telephony feature group through at least one dedicated trunk of the PSTN to the Softswitch. The Softswitch routes phone calls that it receives on the dedicated trunk to the Internet telephony call controller for Internet telephony feature handling.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., by transfer of ownership from AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Stephen La Pierre, Shiejye Geoffrey Lin
-
Patent number: 9491308Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to telecommunications networks, processing and routing calls between networks, a computing system and methodologies for optimizing pricing particularly in situations with massive amounts of data, processing call volume data, deseasonalizing data, minutes of use data, establishing and distributing pricing data for use in routing decisions, among other features and advantages.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: William Gray, Binchao Chen, Peder Hans Engebretson
-
Patent number: 9491312Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to telecommunications networks, processing and routing calls between networks, a computing system and methodologies for optimizing pricing particularly in situations with massive amounts of data, processing call volume data, deseasonalizing data, minutes of use data, establishing and distributing pricing data for use in routing decisions, among other features and advantages.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: William Gray, Binchao Chen, Peder Hans Engebretson
-
Patent number: 9363009Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein for routing information through a blocking splitter-combiner switching network. A control system can execute a control module and communicates with one or more satellites. The control module can generate and transmit control data for controlling traffic or other communication over a channelizer at a satellite. A satellite network operator can generate a cross-connection request that is processed by the satellite control at a ground control station or a processor on the satellite. The cross-connection requests a cross-connection for transmitting satellite user information within or across satellite beams. The control system can attempt to identify an output channel. If the output channel is found, the connection can be established. If the output channel is not found, the control system can execute various operations to partially or fully preempt other communications to accommodate a higher priority connection request.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: James P. Scott
-
Patent number: 9328727Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Koehl
-
Patent number: 9325510Abstract: A method and device for controlling an ad-hoc network using a CPNS entity having a secure element (SE) in a CPNS enabler are discussed. According to an embodiment, the invention provides a method including receiving ad-hoc network information and SE information from each of the CPNS entities; designating one of the CPNS entities to be an ad-hoc network controller for an ad-hoc network based on the ad-hoc network information and the SE information; transmitting a command to perform a configuration of the ad-hoc network, information about the designated ad-hoc network controller, and service constraint information, to the designated ad-hoc network controller; and receiving service use information prepared based on the service provided in the ad-hoc network from the designated ad-hoc network controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Jean-Francois Deprun
-
Patent number: 9280267Abstract: An interactive user interface is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the interface includes a first field and at least one additional field. The first field lists a focal item and the at least one additional field contains a listing of items related to the focal item. Certain of the related items in the at least one additional field include a hyperlink which, when activated by the user, causes the item corresponding to the activated hyperlink to become a new focal item listed in the first field, such that the at least one additional field transitions to list items related to the new focal item. The focal item may be, for example, an identifier corresponding to a company, and the at least one additional field may contain a listing of identifiers corresponding to companies that are customers, suppliers or competitors of the focal item company.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventors: Barry Scott Hurewitz, Vaughn Stephen Harvey
-
Patent number: 9282442Abstract: A communication system to route telephony signals based on OLI. The communication system includes a telephony signaling system and a call processing system. The telephony signaling system receives a first signaling message over an originating line indicating a telephony number and in response, generates and transfers a second signaling message indicating the telephony number and the OLI for delivery to a call processing system. The call processing system receives the second signaling message, and in response, processes the telephony number to identify a RespOrg. The call processing system processes the OLI based on the identified RespOrg to select a CIC. Call processing system generates and transfers a third signaling message indicating the selected CIC for delivery to the telephony signaling system. The telephony signaling system receives the third signaling message, and in response, generates and transfers a fourth signaling message for delivery to a telephony network based on the selected CIC.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Mark J. Bonn, Cory A. Yang, Kuncheng Richard Yang, Quang Ba Doan
-
Patent number: 9001987Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
-
Patent number: 8942362Abstract: A communication administration system includes: a administration system, for managing basis information of at least one user; and a service system, for fetching basic information and current location information of a called party from the administration system in response to a communication request from a calling party, obtaining current location information and preference information of the called party from the called party, and generating a communication mechanism scenario according to a communication mechanism system for the calling party to make a selection and to make a call accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.Inventors: Tien-Chin Fang, Chen-Chung Lee, Ping-Chi Lai, Chia-Hung Lin, Ming-Jen Chen, Ching-Wen Lin, Ching-Yu Tsai
-
Patent number: 8923495Abstract: Telecommunications customers must frequently utilize the facilities of many different telecommunications service providers in order to transmit data from one location to another. When a telecommunications customer encounters a network problem, that customer usually must navigate a complicated web of service providers and equipment owners in order to receive meaningful technical assistance from a human technician. The present invention is designed and intended to facilitate human interactions for technical support and administrative tasks by associating customer, contract, circuit, equipment, key personnel, billing, and telco information in a database for efficient data presentation and information retrieval. Resolution of the logistical problem of tracking circuit information is achieved by organizing the information and displaying important data concurrently.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: TSR IncorporatedInventors: Robert C. Kuhn, Michael F. Gleason
-
Patent number: 8849273Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for reporting fixed network access information, in which an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) reports fixed network access information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), and the PCEF notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the fixed network access information. The disclosure also provides a system for reporting fixed network access information, in which a reporting unit is configured to allow an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) to report fixed network access information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), which notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the fixed network access information. According to the disclosure, the fixed network access information can be reported, so that an S9* session still can be established even if the BPCF cannot be aware of access of the UE to the WLAN.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: ZTE CorporationInventors: Tong Rui, Xiaoyun Zhou, Mo Sun
-
Patent number: 8805325Abstract: A method of providing cost information associated with one or more contact numbers in an address book may include receiving cost information, storing the cost information, mapping at least a portion of the cost information to one or more contact numbers using one or more pre-defined rules and transmitting the mapped cost information to a mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Qualcomm Connected Experiences, Inc.Inventors: Jacob Guedalia, Isaac David Guedalia
-
Patent number: 8781089Abstract: A system, method or device for sharing revenue for incoming Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls between a VoIP service provider and VoIP service subscribers. The VoIP subscribers may earn credits for receiving incoming calls from a first network to an Internet Protocol (IP) network, based on a revenue sharing model. The first network may be any cellular, fixed line or other IP network in the world. The user earns credits for incoming calls to his softphone, initiated by any landline, mobile phone or VoIP phone user in the world, which dials his local number. After the softphone user accumulates credits, he may be able to initiate outgoing calls to any telephone in the world, by using his credits. The user can also register others for the service (using email or any other method), and obtain a portion of their credits, when they receive incoming calls to their softphones from external callers.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: Shai Haim Gilboa, Daniel Fogel
-
Publication number: 20140185782Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium for outsourcing telecom billing are disclosed for issuing one or more first billing statements and one or more second billing statements from a first telecom network; and transmitting at least the one or more first billing statements to a second telecom network. The one or more first billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the first telecom network to the second telecom network, and the one or more second billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the second telecom network to one or more customers thereof. The one or more charges of the first and second billing statements may reflect the same service(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: ITXC IP Holdings S.a.r.l.Inventors: Sylvie Bouchard, Pascal Montes, Michel Decarie
-
Patent number: 8699680Abstract: Methods, devices, and storage media provide for receiving a message pertaining to setting up a telephone call; inserting in the message a branch identifier that indicates a branch office of an enterprise from which the message originated; transmitting the message including the branch identifier to a private branch exchange device; and generating billing information for the telephone call based on the branch identifier.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Allyn LaCroix
-
Patent number: 8611515Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for routing a communication. An identifier of an origination point of the communication is received. A destination point associated with a destination of the communication is determined. The origination point and the destination point are analyzed to determine whether the communication may be entirely routed within a local service provider's geographic area.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Jonathan O. Ward
-
Patent number: 8611894Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitating access to a communication session for a client is provided. The method may comprise obtaining one or more call plan proposals, receiving a destination phone number for making a call on a wireless communications device (WCD) when the WCD is in a source country, determining the source country from which the call is to be made, determining a destination country code of the destination phone number, identifying each of the one or more call plan proposals available to the WCD in the source country, selecting a call plan proposal from the identified available call plan proposals, generating a destination number string, and executing the call using the destination number string. The destination number string can comprise the destination phone number combined with the destination country code and the country access code and the discount identifier code of the selected call plan proposal.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Itay Ben-Shaul, Baruch Eruchimovitch
-
Patent number: 8553863Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
-
Patent number: 8543084Abstract: Prepaid services include associating a plurality of users with a prepaid services account. The account is configured to track a prepaid balance associated with the account as well as to allow at least a subset of the plurality of users associated with the account to draw down the prepaid balance at least generally at the same time. Drawing down the prepaid balance includes allocating a portion of the prepaid balance to each respective user, monitoring a provision of service, and repeating, selectively, the allocating and monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Gregory L. Mumford, Jon E. Abel, David A. Fitzgerald, Radhika Gunasekar, Anna Marie Appleby, John M. Leslein
-
Publication number: 20130243173Abstract: A system and associated methods for automation and management of trunk routing among switches in a telecommunications network between carriers connected to a third party tandem services provider or manager (a “neutral tandem network.”) The system and methodology can be used to, among other things, effectuate a business model for providing preferred rates, or other preferences, to a defined group of members or subscribers by managing and directing subscriber-associated call traffic from subscriber-owned switches to one or more tandem switches owned by a third-party tandem managing entity other than a LEC or ILEC.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Neutral Tandem, Inc., d/b/a InteliquentInventors: Brett Scorza, Jeff Carney, Ronald Gavillet
-
Patent number: 8489068Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods that identify requested call connections that cannot be billed by a call management system and redirects those calls to a call processing platform. The call management system sends data associated with the requested call connections to the call processing platform in a session initiation protocol (SIP) message header. The call processing platform identifies one or more payment options that are not available for use by the call management system and offers the called party the opportunity to accept one of the payment options to complete the requested call connection. The call processing platform connects the calling party and the called party and sends a call detail record with billing data to the call management system.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Adam Christopher Edwards, Patrick Walter Brolsma
-
Patent number: 8477766Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a collect call method and system thereof, more particularly, in order to charge the called party with a uniform toll for collect call, which is determined by only the type and location of called party terminal. In one embodiment, the collect call method, system and a counsel service providing method use a free VoIP network for part of the voice call link and a charge PSTN network for the rest of the voice call link. In one embodiment, if the first link corresponding to the collect call request is established, the collect call switch calls the called party terminal to establish the second link, and billing on the second link is initiated.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Inventor: Ey-Taeg Kwon
-
Publication number: 20130163735Abstract: A method and a system for the management of telecommunication services provided by an operator to users (4) and (6) of telecommunication services, the method comprising: assigning a subscriber network identifier (IS) to each subscribed user (6); monitoring inbound communications toward the subscriber network identifiers (IS) assigned to subscribed users; creating, by virtue of means (8) for creating and managing virtual accounts, a virtual account (CV) registered to each network identifier originating communications (IC); informing, by virtue of information means (14), at least the user (4) or (6) of telecommunication services who originates the communication toward the subscriber network identifier (IS) and/or the registrant of the network identifier originating communications (IC) of the existence and/or balance of the virtual account (CV). The telecommunication service management system comprises means for implementing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventor: Marco Fiorentino
-
Patent number: 8411832Abstract: A peering grid component operates to facilitate connections of call traffic in a peering grid comprised of customers interconnected with peering partners. A switch is configured to receive call traffic from a customer, and a routing engine is configured to analyze parameters of the call traffic to classify the call traffic as wireless or wire-line traffic. The classification of the call traffic is achieved through the provision of updated wireless routing information accessed by the routing engine. With the classification, the switch, for wireless traffic, accepts and transmits the call traffic at a wireless rate to a peering partner via a connection to the peering partner; and, for wire-line traffic, either transmits the call traffic back to the customer or accepts the call traffic for transmission at a wire-line rate. The wire-line rate is different than the wireless rate, and the associated rates are charged to the customer.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: IntelePeer, Inc.Inventor: Steven D. Samuels
-
Patent number: 8401161Abstract: A method for routing a toll-free call through a network includes receiving a toll-free call from a call origination endpoint, determining an identifier associated with the call origination endpoint, determining a meet point trunk based on at least a portion of the identifier if a DAL is not available, and routing the toll-free call to a LEC via the determined meet point trunk. A system for routing a toll-free call entering a network to an appropriate carrier includes an inbound gateway device configured to receive a toll-free call from a call origination endpoint having an assigned telephone number and to query a core routing engine (CRE) for a route plan using the assigned telephone number, and a CRE configured to select an interconnection access line based on the origination endpoint telephone number, wherein the interconnection access line is connected to a LEC that is operable to route the call to the appropriate carrier.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Richard Terpstra, Greg Gualtieri, Dan Jordan, Janis Griffin, Murli S Nair, Susmita G Saha
-
Patent number: 8369828Abstract: A mobile-to-mobile payment method and system are presented. One or more payor messages are received at a payment server from a mobile device associated with a payor. The one or more payor messages include an identifier of a payee and an amount. The identifier of the payee is associated with a payee account, and the mobile device is associated with a payer account. The payment server executes a transfer of funds of the amount from the payor account to the payee account.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Globaltel Media, Inc.Inventor: Mehrak Hamzeh
-
Patent number: 8345842Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium for outsourcing telecom billing are disclosed for issuing one or more first billing statements and one or more second billing statements from a first telecom network; and transmitting at least the one or more first billing statements to a second telecom network. The one or more first billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the first telecom network to the second telecom network, and the one or more second billing statements may reflect one or more charges from the second telecom network to one or more customers thereof. The one or more charges of the first and second billing statements may reflect the same service(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: ITXC IP Holdings S.a.r.l.Inventors: Sylvie Bouchard, Pascal Montes, Michel Decarie
-
Patent number: 8260255Abstract: In an example method of configuring an adaptive module for an offline charging system, a selection is received which selects one of a plurality of charging functions. In an example, the selection is received in response to a user prompt. In another example, the plurality of charging functions includes a charging data function (CDF), a charging gateway function (CGF), an integrated CDF/CGF without Ga interface support and an integrated CDF/CGF with Ga interface support. An adaptive module is configured to conform with the selected charging function. The adaptive module has the capacity to conform to any one of the plurality of charging functions. For example, the adaptive module includes a number of program modules and the configuring step selects which of the program modules are enabled and an order in which the enabled program modules are to be executed. The configured adaptive module is executed at a physical entity (e.g., a CDF, a CGF, etc.) within the offline charging system.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Yigang Cai, Chun Guang Xu, Sheng Chen, Hong Wei Sun